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Question:

How will you convert the following? i) Propan-2-ol to propanone ii) Phenol?

Solution:

i) Conversion of Propan-2-ol to Propanone:

Propan-2-ol (isopropyl alcohol) can be oxidized to propanone (acetone) using an oxidizing agent like acidified potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇/H₂SO₄) or Jones reagent (CrO₃ in aqueous H₂SO₄). The reaction involves the removal of two hydrogen atoms from the secondary alcohol group.

Chemical Equation:

CH₃CH(OH)CH₃ + [O] → CH₃COCH₃ + H₂O

Where [O] represents the oxidizing agent.

Mechanism: The oxidation proceeds via a chromate ester intermediate. The chromate ester undergoes elimination of a proton and chromic acid to yield the ketone.

ii) Conversion of (Assuming the question is incomplete and meant to ask for conversion to something):

The question is incomplete, lacking the target compound for the conversion of phenol. To provide a complete solution, we need the desired product. For example, possible conversions from phenol include:

  • To benzene: Phenol can be reduced to benzene using zinc dust and strong acid (e.g., concentrated HCl).

    • Chemical Equation: C₆H₅OH + Zn → C₆H₆ + ZnO
  • To benzoquinone: Phenol can be oxidized to benzoquinone using oxidizing agents such as Fremy's salt or dichromate.

    • Chemical Equation: C₆H₅OH + [O] → C₆H₄O₂ + H₂O
  • To various substituted phenols: Phenol can undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions with various electrophiles to yield substituted phenols. This would require a specific electrophile and conditions to be stated.

  • To phenyl ethers: Phenol can react with alkyl halides in the presence of a base to form aryl ethers.

    • Chemical Equation (general): C₆H₅OH + RX → C₆H₅OR + HX (where R is an alkyl group and X is a halogen)

In summary, to provide a proper solution for part (ii), the target compound for the conversion of phenol needs to be specified.